Physiotherapy Theory and Practice最新文献

{"title":"Doctor of physical therapy students' perceptions of artificial intelligence chatbots versus peer role play for therapeutic interviewing practice.","authors":"Kelby B Kaplan, Alisa M Pravdo, Rachel Reoli","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2026.2741350","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2026.2741350","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Therapeutic interviewing supports rapport building, diagnostic accuracy, and person-centered care. Peer role play (PRP) is used in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education for rehearsing patient-provider interactions; however, there are limitations regarding patient portrayal. Artificial intelligence chatbots (AI) may offer an alternative. This study examined DPT students' perceptions and quality of information using AI for therapeutic interviewing compared with PRP.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective mixed methods cohort study analyzed data from two simulated interviewing activities involving AI and PRP cases. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively and with Mann-Whitney U tests; qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>68 DPT students participated in Activity 1, and 58 students (85.3%) completed an anonymous survey. Seventy students completed Activity 2 and documentation checklist. Four themes highlighted AI advantages: realistic rapport and conversation, active listening and reflective responses, reduced performance anxiety, unlimited independent practice. Six themes identified AI disadvantages: robotic/disingenuous interactions, technological glitches, lack of non-verbal communication, impediments to conversational flow, environmental/social ethical concerns, lack of real-world pressure. PRP consistently demonstrated higher accuracy and fewer omissions compared to AI. AI led to higher rates of incorrect data regarding prior level of function (65.7% vs. 9.7% PRP), medical/surgical history (54.3% vs. 0% PRP), and current level of function (80% vs. 57.2% PRP). Medication was more accurate in PRP (87.5% correct) than AI (67.1% correct). Mann-Whitney U tests showed a significant difference for demographics (U = 1424, <i>p </i>= <0.001, alpha = 0.05), prior level of function (U = 672, <i>p</i>=<0.001, alpha = 0.05), patient goals (U = 2048, <i>p</i> = .044, alpha = 0.05), social history (U = 1756, <i>p</i>=<0.001, alpha = 0.05) general health, medical/surgical history (U = 1486, <i>p</i>=<0.001, alpha = 0.05), and medications (U = 1980, <i>p</i> = .002, alpha = 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>While AI mitigates student performance anxiety via a safe space to practice interviews, it also reduces documentation accuracy. DPT programs may benefit from utilizing AI as a supplemental tool; however, technological limitations and formatting inconsistencies prevent it from replacing PRP.</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"1-15"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149116968","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Differences in pain characteristics, associated symptoms, and physical impairments according to resting scapular position in people with chronic non-specific neck pain: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Nipaporn Wannaprom, Nitchanan Buthkub, Ratchaneekorn Jaikam, Supawit Prasanphan","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2026.2741357","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2026.2741357","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Altered resting scapular position is commonly observed in people with chronic non-specific neck pain. However, clinical characteristics associated with different patterns of resting scapular dysfunction remain unclear.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To compare neck pain characteristics, associated symptoms, and physical impairments among people with chronic non-specific neck pain with resting scapular downward rotation (SDR), those with resting scapular protraction, those without resting scapular dysfunction, and asymptomatic controls without resting scapular dysfunction.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 144 participants were recruited (36 in each group). Outcome measures included neck pain characteristics (intensity, disability, duration, and area), associated symptoms (headache and dizziness), and physical impairments (cervical range of motion (ROM), flexion rotation test(FRT), cervical and shoulder joint position errors (JPEs), and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) at C5-C6 zygapophyseal joints, upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and tibialis anterior).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All neck pain groups showed greater pain, symptoms, and physical impairments than controls (all <i>p</i> < .01, η_P² = 0.28-0.74). The neck pain group with resting SDR demonstrated the greatest impairments, including higher pain intensity, upper and whole neck pain, headache and dizziness, reduced cervical ROM and FRT range, increased cervical and shoulder JPEs, and lower PPTs at local and remote sites (all <i>p</i> < .01, η_p² = 0.23-0.72). Conversely, the neck pain group with resting scapular protraction exhibited clinical features similar to those without resting scapular dysfunction, including lower neck and upper trapezius pain, decreased cervical ROM, increased cervical and shoulder JPEs, and reduced PPTs at local sites (all <i>p</i> < .01, η_P² = 0.28-0.74).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Patterns of resting scapular dysfunction may represent distinct clinical phenotypes in people with chronic non-specific neck pain. Resting SDR was associated with more severe and widespread clinical deficits, highlighting the importance of considering both biomechanical and pain mechanisms in clinical evaluation and management of this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149116942","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Structured patient education plus exercise therapy versus exercise therapy alone in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Fahime Ghorbani, Neda Mostafaee, Hossein Negahban, Mohammad Hosseinzadeh, Vahid Ghavami, Mohammad Hosein Ebrahimzadeh","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2026.2738833","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2026.2738833","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is associated with pain, functional limitations, and psychological factors. Although exercise therapy is a recommended treatment, the additional benefit of structured patient education remains unclear.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To compare the effects of adding structured patient education to exercise therapy versus exercise therapy alone on pain and clinical outcomes in individuals with PFPS.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this assessor-blinded, two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial, thirty adults with PFPS were randomly allocated to exercise therapy plus structured patient education (<i>n</i> = 15) or exercise therapy alone (<i>n</i> = 15). Both groups received 10 supervised exercise therapy sessions over 4 weeks, while the intervention group additionally received eight patient education sessions. The primary outcome was pain intensity measured using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included pain catastrophizing assessed using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), kinesiophobia assessed using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), functional status assessed using the Kujala Patellofemoral Score (KPS), and perceived recovery assessed using the Global Rating of Change (GROC). Outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 2-month follow-up.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Groups were comparable at baseline. Significant group × time interactions were observed for pain intensity (partial η² = 0.492), pain catastrophizing (partial η² = 0.801), kinesiophobia (partial η² = 0.918), and functional status (partial η² = 0.771) (all <i>p</i> < .001). Post-intervention, pain intensity did not differ significantly between groups (<i>p</i> = .054), whereas PCS, TSK, and KPS favored the intervention group (all <i>p</i> < .001). At 2-month follow-up, pain intensity was lower in the intervention group (1.47 ± 1.25 vs 4.47 ± 2.13), and improvements in PCS, TSK, and KPS were maintained (all <i>p</i> < .001). Patient-perceived recovery favored the intervention group at post-intervention and at 2-month follow-up (both <i>p</i> < .001), with large between-group effect sizes (Cohen's d = 1.69 and 3.16, respectively). However, the between-group mean differences should be interpreted cautiously regarding clinical relevance.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Adding structured patient education to exercise therapy was associated with greater improvements in pain-related psychological outcomes, functional status, and patient-perceived recovery compared with exercise therapy alone in individuals with PFPS. Although both groups improved over time, the additional effect on pain intensity was observed only at the 2-month follow-up.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT20240713062427N1.</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149070310","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Intra-session reliability of the Imagined Timed Up and Go Test: intra- and simultaneous inter-rater analyses in community-dwelling older adults.","authors":"Taisei Inamura, Yoshinobu Kobayashi, Rintaro Kawabata, Teruaki Koshiba, Kazuaki Uda","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2026.2737280","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2026.2737280","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Increased Estimation error (EE), the discrepancy between motor imagery and actual physical function, is reportedly a fall-related risk factor. The reliability of the Imagined Timed Up and Go Test (ITUG) for community-dwelling older adults remains unclear, warranting quantitative assessment before broad clinical use.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>We aimed to evaluate the ITUG's intra-session intra-rater and inter-rater reliability.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and ITUG were performed in older adults with normal cognitive function. EE was defined as ITUG-TUG and Delta time (%) as (TUG-ITUG)/TUG × 100; negative EE and positive Delta time both indicate overestimation of physical ability. Intra-rater reliability was evaluated using repeated within-session measurements and inter-rater reliability using simultaneous timing of the same performance by two examiners within one same-day session. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were evaluated by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) using a two-way mixed-effects, absolute-agreement, single-measures model for intra-rater reliability (ICC_A,1) and two-way random-effects, absolute-agreement model for inter-rater reliability, reported as average-measures (ICC_2,2) and single-measures (ICC_2,1). Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement (LoA) and the minimal detectable change at the 95% confidence level (MDC₉₅) were calculated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Eighty-five older adults (mean age [standard deviation], 76.1 [5.4] years; 86% women) were included after 13 of 98 recruited participants were excluded. Participants tended to overestimate their physical abilities (TUG: 6.0 [0.9] s; ITUG: 4.0 [1.4] s). Intra-rater reliability was moderate (ICC_A,1, 0.69-0.73); simultaneous inter-rater reliability was excellent (ICC_2,2 ≈ 0.994; ICC_2,1, 0.982-0.984). Intra-rater MDC₉₅ (2.3 s; 35.1%) exceeded inter-rater values (0.3 s; 4.9%), indicating within-session variability. Intra-rater 95% LoA were -2.65 to 1.85 s (EE) and -28.2% to 39.7% (Delta time); inter-rater LoA were -0.47 to 0.39 s and -5.8% to 7.6%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>ITUG-derived EE shows moderate same-day intra-rater repeatability and excellent simultaneous inter-rater agreement, supporting further study of its clinical applicability.</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149070244","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Barriers and facilitators to physical activity engagement among chronic brain injury survivors: A qualitative exploration.","authors":"Ella Snead, Timothy Rethorn, Shea Brgoch, Christy Zwolski, Leeann Lower-Hoppe, Laura Schmitt, Jennifer Bogner, Lise Worthen-Chaudhari, Catherine Quatman-Yates","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2026.2737800","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2026.2737800","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Survivors of chronic brain injury (CBI) experience ongoing cognitive, emotional, and physical difficulties that negatively affect their health and quality of life. Physical activity (PA) is an important non-pharmacological treatment that simultaneously promotes recovery and well-being. However, CBI survivors face persistent barriers that inhibit their engagement in PA following completion of a rehabilitation program.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Adopting an integrated socioecological and physical literacy lens, this study explored the lived experiences of CBI survivors to elucidate the multi-level factors influencing their PA engagement.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Upon eligibility screening, individuals with a moderate or severe brain injury who met the study inclusion criteria participated in the study. Participants completed PA and demographic questionnaires and participated in a semi-structured interview informed by a phenomenological approach. Recruitment was completed once thematic saturation was achieved.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 10 individuals (6 females, 4 males) participated in the study. Thematic analysis revealed barriers and facilitators to PA engagement associated with the socioecological and physical literacy domains. We identified the intrapersonal and interpersonal socioecological domains and the knowledge and motivation physical literacy domains to be particularly salient to participants' PA experiences. Sub-themes pertaining to environmental influences included insurance, the COVID-19 pandemic, accessibility, environment, PA programs, work and school, personal support network, and professional care. Intrapersonal factors influencing PA included participants' needs, abilities, relearning, appreciation for PA, energy, fear, and mind-set.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study results illuminate the unique barriers and facilitators survivors of CBIs experience, informing the design of rehabilitation programs tailored to their individualized needs. As a next step, we propose that virtual exercise programming might be a promising avenue through which to increase access, enhance facilitators, and mitigate barriers to PA for this special population.</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149070300","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Heart rate variability is associated with postoperative pain intensity and pain trajectory after orthopedic surgery.","authors":"Ryota Osumi, Yuki Morikawa, Michihiro Osumi","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2026.2735998","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2026.2735998","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Accurate assessment of postoperative pain is essential for rehabilitation and for identifying patients at risk of chronic postsurgical pain. However, pain assessment often relies on self-report, which may be difficult in older adults and patients with impaired communication. Heart rate variability (HRV) has been proposed as a noninvasive objective indicator of pain, but its association with postoperative pain recovery remains unclear.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To investigate whether postoperative HRV is associated with pain intensity and the trajectory of pain reduction during the acute postoperative period.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Fifty-eight patients with postoperative pain after orthopedic surgery participated. Electrocardiographic recordings were obtained for 10 minutes at rest. The root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) and the standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN) were calculated and averaged across 3 consecutive days during early and later postoperative periods. Pain was assessed daily using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Pain trajectory slopes over 7 and 14 days were obtained by linear regression. Associations were examined using nonparametric statistics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Pain intensity was significantly lower, and both RMSSD and SDNN were significantly higher, in the later than in the early postoperative period (all <i>p</i> < .001). Mean early postoperative NRS was negatively correlated with RMSSD (rho =  -0.31, <i>p</i> = .009) but not with SDNN. The standard deviation of NN intervals was negatively correlated with the slope of the pain trajectory over 7 days (rho =  -0.28, <i>p</i> = .019) and 14 days (rho =  -0.24, <i>p</i> = .040), indicating that higher SDNN was associated with faster pain reduction.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Postoperative HRV was associated with both pain intensity and the trajectory of early pain recovery. These findings suggest that HRV may reflect autonomic state during postoperative pain recovery, and should be considered a promising complementary marker rather than a validated stand-alone measure of postoperative pain.</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149041444","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Maximizing outcomes of an annual physical therapy visit: use of Brief Action Planning for behavioral change.","authors":"Michael L Puthoff, Mariana Wingood, Michelle G Criss, Catherine J Byrne, Steven A Cole","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2026.2736003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2026.2736003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>An annual visit with a physical therapist can identify individuals experiencing preclinical mobility limitations or small declines in function. Based on the results of the visit, interventions can be recommended to improve mobility and activity levels with guidance on how to maintain health through the aging process. The American Physical Therapy Association Academy of Geriatrics has created an Annual Mobility Assessment that includes self-reported issues with mobility, the Physical Activity Vital Sign, falls risk, and six physical performance measures. Though the Annual Mobility Assessment provides a useful, detailed framework for assessment and physical therapy management, it does not provide guidance on how to share these results or encourage positive health behavior change. Brief Action Planning (BAP) is a pragmatic, evidence-informed, and versatile Motivational Interviewing-consistent skill set designed to support patient self-management and facilitate health behavior change for patients who are ready, contemplating change, or nearly ready for change once they understand their health issues. BAP provides a pragmatic, algorithmic structure that can be readily learned and used by physical therapists to encourage behavioral change tailored to the results of the Annual Mobility Assessment. The purpose of this professional theoretical article is to discuss the integration of BAP into an annual physical therapy visit. The theoretical background of BAP will be discussed along with discussion of its possible use with the Annual Mobility Assessment. Two case studies, implications strategies, opportunities for further training, and future research about annual visits and behavioral change will also be presented.</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149041534","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beyond jump height: monitoring countermovement jump metrics across the Anterior Cruciate Ligament rehabilitation journey.","authors":"Chris Bishop, Luca Maestroni, Francesco Bettariga, Matthew Jordan, Paul Read, Anthony Turner","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2026.2738832","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2026.2738832","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The countermovement jump (CMJ) test serves as a popular assessment method owing to its relative simplicity, time-efficient nature and ability to elicit consistent and repeatable measures. However, the choice of metrics is vast when undertaking testing with force platforms, which makes it difficult for practitioners to know which ones to monitor and why. This article outlines some of the common challenges that practitioners face when considering the use of this test, some objective markers and subjective information to guide its implementation in practice, in addition to a blend of logic-led reasoning and referral to the existing evidence base, to consider which CMJ metrics may be most appropriate for practitioners to monitor during the rehabilitation journey of those who suffer ananterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149065475","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prediction model for timing of independent walking on varied surface conditions in patients with early subacute stroke: A multicenter prospective study.","authors":"Shuntaro Tamura, Hiroyuki Saito, Hiroki Iwamoto, Sota Kobayashi, Yoshito Takahashi, Satoshi Hasegawa, Shigeru Usuda","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2026.2733860","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2026.2733860","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to develop and internally validate a model predicting when patients with early subacute stroke achieve independent walking on multiple types of surfaces.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this prospective multicenter observational study, adults admitted to rehabilitation wards for cerebral infarction or hemorrhage (April 2023-October 2025) were assessed. Walking independence was evaluated from 6 to 24 weeks after stroke onset using the Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC); FAC 5 indicated independent walking on multiple types of surfaces. A Cox proportional hazards model was developed using prespecified admission predictors: age, knee extension, Berg Balance Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination, visuospatial function, and continence. Missing data were multiply imputed. Internal validation used 200 bootstrap resamples.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 367 screened patients, 168 were analyzed (mean age 74.9 years). The cumulative achievement rate for FAC 5 plateaued at 51% by week 20. The model satisfied proportional hazards assumptions. Time-dependent area under the curve values ranged from 0.86 to 0.92. Calibration was favorable, with a slope of 0.92, expected/observed ratios of 1.00-1.03, and integrated calibration indices of 0.04-0.06.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A model based on routine assessments in the early subacute phase showed favorable internal performance in predicting the timing of independent walking across multiple surface conditions after stroke; however, external validation is required before clinical implementation.</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149013074","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Vestibular rehabilitation therapy in Turkey: insights into physical therapists' clinical practice.","authors":"Birgul Balci, Burcin Aktar Durak, Susan L Whitney","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2026.2729702","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2026.2729702","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is an effective physiotherapy approach for patients with vestibular hypofunction. The administration of VRT requires relevant knowledge and skills to practice effectively.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To explore the knowledge, beliefs, and clinical practices regarding VRT among physical therapists in Turkey.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Licensed physical therapists practising as clinicians or academics in Turkey were invited through professional networks on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and Instagram to complete a Google Forms survey. Because recruitment used an open survey link that was posted and redistributed through these networks, the number of individual recipients could not be determined and a conventional response rate could not be calculated. A total of 178 eligible physical therapists completed the survey.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 178 physical therapists who completed the survey, 88.8% had no VRT experience. Only 1.2% had used Frenzel lenses/infrared goggles. Across the Epley, Semont, Gufoni, and barbecue roll maneuvers, the proportions of respondents reporting either not using the procedure or not knowing it were 87.6%, 96.1%, 97.2%, and 94.4%, respectively. More than 60% had never used or were unfamiliar with habituation, substitution, optokinetic stimulation, virtual reality, and visual exercises for the treatment of patients with vestibular disorders. Overall, 36.5% had received VRT education or training.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The identified educational and implementation gaps provide a national evidence base for strengthening competency-based vestibular rehabilitation training in undergraduate physiotherapy curricula and continuing professional development in Turkey. Addressing these gaps may improve physical therapists' readiness to deliver evidence-based vestibular care and expand access to appropriate rehabilitation services.</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149009184","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}